Book Review

Management by Fable is a creative work
and a quick read. The author uses the
morals from nine of Aesop’s Fables to
demonstrate simple management techniques designed to be beneficial in all
types of workplace environments. The
intent, as the author puts it, is not to introduce any new managerial concepts,
but rather to promote “self reflection and
serve as powerful reminders of lessons
already learned but easily forgotten.” In
reading the book, I did find myself reflecting and enjoyed the analogies that
were offered in this somewhat whimsical
piece.

Each chapter begins with a brief introduction to a fable, such as The Oxen
and The Lion,followed by a case study
of a work situation which is related back
to the basic concepts and morals of the
fable. Next, the author provides a discussion of the case study highlighting
the lessons to be learned. Some of the
chapters are longer as they may have
separate subtopics which provide more
detailed helpful tips to consider. Each
chapter has a conclusion followed by a
section called “Manager’s Action Items.”
This is where the self-reflection occurs. If
the particular action items topic offered
in the chapter is one that you are dealing
with in your workplace, you may want to
answer the questions posed and try out
some of the suggestions.

As I progressed through the book, I
found myself trying to relate the basic
fable to my work as a manager and tried
to imagine the workplace situation that
might relate to it. As promised, I didn’t
find any earth shattering revelations in
the book but did allow myself a moment
of self-reflection with each chapter. I
must admit that I was confused about
whom the true audience of the book was
intended. The author says that the book
was written and suitable to all industries
and work settings, but organizational
structure is varied amongst all work settings. It did seem to be appropriate for a
radiology manager, though, as all of the
chapters speak of skills to be shared with
your supervisory team and to always be
mindful of senior management expectations. The true audience for the book did
fluctuate.

As an avid reader of many manage-ment books throughout my career, Idid enjoy the book and felt it was worthmy time. Being brief (about 100 pages)and an easy read make this a great mid-afternoon or weekend activity. Com-pared to other books I have read I didnot gain any new perspective, which isgenerally something that I seek in read-ing articles or books. I agree with the au-thor that many of the basic concepts welearn along the way can be forgotten andseem more complex when we are facingdifficult situations. At times, a simpleapproach is probbaly the best solution.Simple techniques applied consistentlyand with a dose of creativity can havea powerful impact on building a strongteam and a healthy work environment.

Diane T. Dionne, MBA, RT(R)(M) is division director of
cardiology and radiology services at Southern NH
Medial Center in Nashua, NH. She can be contacted
at diane.dionne@snhmc.org.